Survey Data
Reg No
12505117
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Architectural, Historical, Social
Original Use
Graveyard/cemetery
Date
1650 - 1930
Coordinates
247382, 198553
Date Recorded
29/08/2008
Date Updated
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Description
Glacial Esker formed during the Ice Age and used as burial ground since c. 1650. The esker extends from near Timahoe to beyond Tullamore and was used as a road in medieval times. It contains several upstanding stone grave markers dating from c. 1700 to 1890 and is enclosed by coursed rubble stone wall c. 1800 with rough-hewn limestone coping and steel railing c. 2005, running along Ridge Road. The site is accessed by an iron turn-stile on a pair of large stone piers with cement capstones.
Appraisal
The burial ground has some early grave markers, the earliest burial site recorded is that of Rev. Darby Malone who died in 1723 and the remains of significant clergy from the 18th and 19th century are also buried here. The mound has a prominent presence on Ridge Road and is an important natural landscape feature of Portlaoise, from which there are good views of the town.